The importance of one’s physical environment as it relates to health and well-being cannot be overstated. Orison Swett Marden, founder of Success magazine, once said, “Your outlook upon life, your estimate of yourself, your estimate of your value are largely colored by your environment.” With this in mind, Herman Miller recognized the opportunity to exponentially improve people’s in-patient experience by creating better healthcare solutions for hospitals. Thus, in the year 1971, Herman Miller launched Co/Struc, the first instance of a movable, modular system designed specifically for healthcare settings. Fast-forward to fifty years later and Herman Miller healthcare solutions are still some of the most trusted products on the market–– and here’s why.
The pandemic highlighted the benefit of having flexible furniture that can be moved, manipulated, and modified to accommodate the varying needs of users. Healthcare environments are no exception. That is why Herman Miller thoughtfully designed their solutions so that components from the original modular casework system, Co/Struc, could be seamlessly integrated with newer casework systems. This allows care facilities to maximize their initial investments, add new solutions, and focus on providing the best possible care to patients.
According to a 2018 survey, most physicians see between 11 and 20 patients per day while a small percentage of physicians see between 51 and 60 patients each day. That is a lot of foot traffic going in and out of care facilities. Therefore, Herman Miller created solutions that will not only withstand the test of time, but also take things into account like fall prevention, anti-tipping carts, advanced ergonomic considerations, and pivoting chair arms that grant easier bed access.
Naturally, care facilities are exposed to greater rates of germs, bacteria, and infections than other types of facilities, making cleanable furniture solutions of paramount importance. Herman Miller healthcare solutions feature wipe-out designs, MicrobeCare for added antimicrobial protection, and Durawrap—a 99.9% PVC-free material that requires no edge banding.
According to Dane Baker, CEO of EcoCart, “90% of consumers prefer sustainable products." Luckily, Herman Miller has a longstanding commitment to sustainable practices, including the elimination of all chemicals of concern from their products. This makes Herman Miller healthcare solutions good for people and good for the planet.
Last but not least, it is important for care facilities to have that special touch that puts patients at ease when they walk through the doors. Furniture solutions should anticipate and accommodate users’ needs while maintaining a warm and welcoming aesthetic, and Herman Miller solutions do exactly that.
If you have any upcoming projects that require healthcare and life science furniture solutions, Interior Motions would be happy to assist. Just reach out at contact@interiormotions.com or by phone at 510-653-6100.
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